The Stanley-Autenrieth Auction Group, which includes Indiana Auto Auction and Carolina Auto Auction, has purchased the Fort Wayne Auto Truck Auction in Indiana.

As part of the move, which was effective Sept. 13, Fort Wayne’s consignment and sales are being merged into Indiana Auto Auction.

Both the Fort Wayne and Indiana auctions are in Fort Wayne, Ind.

“This is an exciting move for us and a prime opportunity for buyers and sellers to meet together in what will be the premiere auto and truck auction facility in the Midwest,” group co-owner Eric Autenrieth said in a news release.

“With the merging of the two operations, we expect to offer up to 1,000 cars at our weekly Thursday auction and 200-300 heavy duty trucks every other week on Wednesday,” he said. “Consolidating the automotive consignment and bringing the heavy truck business together under one roof benefits buyers throughout the region and streamlines the remarketing process for both dealer and commercial accounts.”

The Fort Wayne auction opened in 1984. Current owners are Carl Miskotten, Chris Walsh and Paul Beerman. Miskotten is helping in the heavy-duty truck transition at Indiana AA.

With the expectation for more heavy-duty truck consignment, Indiana AA is building parking dedicated to the heavy truck sector. It is increasing the size of its own truck fleet to help with transporting both passenger vehicles and trucks.

Indiana AA is expecting to see larger volumes across the board, not just heavy trucks. For the fleet/lease gains, for example, the auction is bringing in a new automatic car wash.

“Fort Wayne has long been known as a truck auction town, and we’re excited to bring all the auction activity under one roof with this acquisition,” Indiana AA managing partner Kevin Brown said in the release.

 “They’ve also built a strong group of consignors from the credit union and fleet/ lease sector, which we will work to retain at Indiana Auto Auction’s weekly car auction,” he said.  “The Fort Wayne auction has been a formidable presence in the industry, and in taking on its operations we have a responsibility to both our current customers and those who have been attending the Fort Wayne Auto Truck auction for so many years.

“Going forward, our focus will be to exceed our customers’ expectations on both sides of the auction transaction and work hard to prove to both consignors and buyers that this acquisition is good for them — and good for the market.”

Brown later added: “Our goal is to be the auction of choice for buyers and sellers of cars, trucks and heavy-duty trucks in the Midwest, and we appreciate working with Carl, Paul and Chris to make this a reality. As a family-owned, independent auction, we’re excited to offer superior service, and superior selection to customers throughout the region.”

TPC Management Co., which provides consulting to auto auctions, advised both parties on the transaction.